to arrive / to come true
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to arrive
To arrive at a specific place. Often used in a more formal context than 'ankommen' (to arrive).
Die Rettungskräfte trafen wenige Minuten nach dem Notruf am Unfallort ein.
The rescue workers arrived at the accident site a few minutes after the emergency call.
'Eintreffen' (to arrive / to come true) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' comes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Zug trifft in wenigen Minuten ein.
The train arrives in a few minutes.
The meaning depends on the subject. If it is people, vehicles, or deliveries that 'eintreffen' (arrive), it means 'ankommen' (to arrive). If it is abstract things like forecasts, fears, or hopes, it means 'wahr werden' (to come true).
Die Gäste treffen bald ein.
The guests will arrive soon.
In the meaning 'ankommen' (to arrive), 'eintreffen' is used mainly in formal contexts such as news reports, official announcements, or police reports.
Die Delegation traf am Vormittag am Flughafen ein.
The delegation arrived at the airport in the morning.
When something 'wahr wird' (comes true), the subjects are often words like 'Vorhersage' (prediction), 'Prognose' (forecast), 'Erwartung' (expectation), or 'Befürchtung' (fear).
Die Wettervorhersage ist zum Glück nicht eingetroffen.
Fortunately, the weather forecast did not come true.
to come
'kommen' and 'eintreffen' can both mean that someone or something arrives at a place. 'kommen' is the normal, very common word in everyday language. 'eintreffen' sounds more precise and often somewhat more formal, for example with guests, trains, news, or deliveries. In addition, 'eintreffen' can mean that something expected or feared actually happens. In that case, 'kommen' does not always fit as well. As a simple guide: for normal visits, people usually say 'kommen'; for a precise arrival or prediction, often 'eintreffen'.
Der Zug trifft heute mit zehn Minuten Verspätung ein.
The train is arriving today with a ten-minute delay.
Er kommt morgen zum Essen zu uns.
He is coming to our place for dinner tomorrow.